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Author
Topic: My First Time (Read 2743 times)

I awoke to William with his arm over my face.. I looked out the window, the clouds had mostly cleared off, just the early morning fog of Denver retreating. This was the day that I told myself, I cannot miss. Year after year, I watched these walks come and go. I always tried to donate to whomever I knew walking, but this was my time. This was Ericís walk with others like me. "Surreal" would be an understatement. We walked out of our home onto the wet grass of Cheesman. We could see just a few people from our side of the park. I was wondering if we and a few others would be the only ones there? We brought Johnny (our pooch) as well as our AMG shirts to keep us warm. As we approached the peak of the park, we began hearing the crowds, the roar of cheers and the sight of 1000ís of people before us. Seeing this, being a part of this, will ever be with me. Knowing full well, that there is love out there. Those who are HIV, those who are living with AIDS and those who just plain old care and GIVE A DAM!

Eric, Sounds like you had a beautiful day. I am so glad you got to experience such a great thing, and if you think about it, all those people were there for you. Thats why it was Eric's Day. Great Big Hug To Eric from Rachel

That pic of the quilt brings back memories. A big section of the Aids Memorial Quilt came to my city about 10 or so yrs ago. I took my kids and my ex to see it. I didn't know anyone that had HIV or Aids at the time but i thought it was important enough to make them go. Reading those panels was really something...so sad and touching. I bought a Aids quilt magnet and it had been on my fridge all these years. I never thought much about it till after hubby was diagnosed and i was cleaning my fridge. I picked up that magnet..looked at it in my hand.....and I'm just glad i was home alone because I lost it big time. I never thought HIV/Aids would ever touch my life.It not only touched me it bitch slapped me..

The magnet is still on my fridge and they do our Aids walk in April and I will be there walking!

Throughout all these years that I have lived with this virus, I didn't do the first walk until last year, and then of course, we did it again this past Saturday.We would have all kinds of fundraisers through the years, But nothing surpasses being out there with everyone. Thanks for sharing. I was wondering how yours and Williams day went. This is something that Ed and myself will always make time for every year !And the thing is, I really didn't care if my legs were sore the next day !!

This is so peaceful. I am so happy For your wonderful walk. Walking is such a grand way to express solidarity. To walk is to travel in a certain manner, to move from one location to another in a purposeful, yet non-aggressive way (unlike the military connotation of a march). Walking is part of everyday activity and we live with HIV everyday. Walking has been described as "controlled falling," we trust that as we go from two feet to one, and fall forward, the other foot will be there to catch our fall. Walking together, we show that we are there for each other, to catch each other when we fall. Whenever people gather in numbers like this, there is an intensity and release of energy. You are a stone tossed in the pond and the ripples grow to waves...

Dear Eric,I am very happy that your experience with your first AIDS walk was a great one. I know you were sorta nervous about it at first.

I am anxious to go to one myself! I'm ashamed to say that even after 16 years of being poz, I still haven't made it to one.Ray(J.R.E.) was nice enough to post a link to a site that gives the dates of all the AIDS walks, so now I won't keep on hearing about the one in my City AFTER the fact!!

I must admit that I am so happy you're back!. Even though it means you go back to your 80 hour work week.

Still thinking about all those people! And its nice to be back in the mountains, but its also sorta sad not being around in close proximity to others dealing with this. Thats where AMG comes in and keeps me sane, safe and loved..

Kelly, thank you for the bracelett,, I wear it everywhere with pride for where we have been, and where we are going.

I missed EVERYONE here and I really thought about all the wonderful people I have met and have become frieneds with here.. I walked for you... Dont miss these events as Drew so well described - "Makes you feel a part of a bigger picture"

OMG I was inspired by you Eric. So I went to the website of the one in my area and 1st Paragraph I read THIS!!!

Honorary Chair, Mayor Kay Barnes, led more than 3,000 walkers through the streets of Kansas City, reminding our community that HIV/AIDS infection is on the increase, the need for funds remains high, but there is hope that one day we will know a world with AIDS. Mayor Barnes has proven her steadfast commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS during her tenure in office.

Guess I should let them know!

Logged

LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safelyin a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT ARIDE!!!

eric,now you may understand why i make posts that are complimenting to you,your involved and want to make a difference,as usual your trudging along with the rest of us but still offer the help some need to do thing that are for the better.thanks for being there,i know it means much to those of us who cant because of either health problems,or just demagraphics.eric you the man,and make sure william knows i say hi too.take care my freind

Eric, I can't tell you how many times I've looked at and listened to your post. I've meant to post a response sooner but was interupted over and over again. I'm so happy for you that you were able to enjoy the walk with William and Johnny. Isn't it refreshing to see people of all races,sexes,ages,nationalities and sexual orientations coming together for the same cause. Tomorrow is my big day and I'll carry a part of you with me.